Under the Mattress

Every time the Federal Reserve increases interest rates, it gives people more reason to save cash. So far, it doesn't look like they've heeded the call. But if they do, it could be bad for stocks.

As part of its February income and spending report today, the Commerce Department will release its read on the personal saving rate -- a measure of how much money Americans have left over from monthly paychecks and small business income after they're done spending on things like cars, haircuts and school books. For most months in...